It's hard to miss all the road work that goes on along a busy stretch of Hawkins Boulevard but city officials said it's necessary.

During the week, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., construction crews are drilling away at the end of the sidewalk and breaking it apart. By the time they're done redoing them, 70 new handicap ramps will be in place from Viscount Boulevard to Montana Avenue.

"For us, it will be wider and better because they won't be steep like the old ones," said Jose Lara, who's uses a wheelchair.

Most sidewalks along Hawkins Boulevard had handicap ramps in place but were in need of an update to comply with state accessibility laws and codes.

"The standard for the texture of the ramps has changed, and the current one makes it easier for the visually impaired to feel with a cane. The state also requires contrast color squares to help identify where the sidewalk ends," said Maria Perez with Volar, a support center for the disabled.

The ramps are also less steep. Perez said this is beneficial not only for the disabled, but everyone who has to use it.

"It's just more practical for the old lady pulling the grocery cart or for the mom with baby carriage," said Perez.

"I think with the construction of these, people with disabilities will be outside more often, and it will be safer," said Lara.

This is a citywide project. The project on Hawkins Boulevard is expected to be completed in two to three weeks.